Barnetts Properties Ltd (BPL) said eight of the nine modern industrial units on its Bassaguard industrial estate, designed to ease the shortage of high-quality rented business premises in the town, have already been occupied by their tenants.

Several of the units were pre-let to firms working in oil services R&D and one of the tenants of the old units who operates in the laundry and accountancy industries and wished to expand. They’ve since been joined by firms working in the golf tourism, brewing, building supplies, and management consultancy sectors.

The opening marks the final stage in the joint project with Fife Council to build the first new rentable units built in more than 20 years. It owns the site and entered into a long-term lease with BPL to secure much-needed modern business units for the town.

After three years of planning, work began on the site in August 2013 with the demolition of the existing post-War garages and industrial units by Kelty-based Sayak UK Ltd, the project designers and builders. They’ve been replaced by nine modern industrial units for a mix of light industry and office accommodation.

Depute council leader Lesley Laird, spokesperson for economy and planning, said: “Fife Council is committed to improving the quality of business accommodation as part of its aim of making Fife the best place to do business. This development will make an important contribution to the local economy in St Andrews by addressing a significant shortage of modern business space in the town.

“The council promoted the site through a competitive bidding exercise and is now delighted to see the completion of the development. It is very encouraging to see such a diverse range of businesses already having secured accommodation in the development and we wish them every success.”

Barnetts chairman, Paul Barnett, said: “I’m delighted we’ve been able to help so many companies maintain or create a presence in St Andrews and bring or secure jobs in the town.

“Given our company’s long-standing connection with St Andrews, it’s great to be boosting it further. We understand this will at least safeguard 25 jobs and I know two businesses are already planning to expand so there should be more to come.

“We’re now looking forward to letting the final unit. Demand was so strong that once we completed Phase 1 we pushed ahead with finishing the build.”